Even after the main draw was announced, many experts were already eyeing up a potential last-16 showdown between Ronnie O'Sullivan and John Higgins, two active legends who have both been playing at the highest level since 1992. In that time, O'Sullivan has claimed seven world titles, while Higgins has lifted the Crucible crown three times.
While O'Sullivan was able to produce his best in the opening session, Higgins struggled to find his rhythm. As a result, the record world champion takes a 6-2 lead into tomorrow evening, when the match resumes.
Match Centre: O'Sullivan vs. Higgins
Ronnie O'Sullivan brings his A-game
The 50-year-old was fully focused from the off and took the opening frame in classic O'Sullivan style: "The Rocket" seized his first opportunity and rattled in an 86 break in just under 10 minutes. The second frame was much more closely contested. Higgins took a clear lead with some smaller breaks, but O'Sullivan was handed a chance to steal the frame at the end.
The record world champion closed the gap to 46-49, but then missed a very makeable pink after having previously negotiated a tricky situation well. That allowed Higgins to clear the colours and level the match.
But O'Sullivan was unfazed – quite the opposite, in fact. He looked the more assured player and ruthlessly punished Higgins' mistakes on long pots. With an 82 and a total clearance of 137, he went into the interval 3-1 up.
John Higgins can do little but watch
The mid-session interval didn't bring the turnaround Higgins was hoping for. The Scot got in first, but after 37 points missed a tough red. Even though the object ball ran close to the cushion, O'Sullivan potted it confidently and finished off with excellent positional play. The result was a 95 clearance and a 4-1 lead.
In the sixth frame, Higgins again made 37 before having to sit down. This time, though, O'Sullivan couldn't capitalise, and the "Wizard of Wishaw" responded with a 68 break to reduce the deficit to 2-4.
But O'Sullivan finished the session strongly: despite having some issues with his tip, he gave Higgins no chance in the seventh frame, compiling two smaller breaks. To round things off, "The Rocket" added a decisive 76. Higgins did get back to the table and even forced a snooker, but soon after left the final red on, which O'Sullivan promptly dispatched.
Barry Hawkins wins in style
On the other table, the session was over much more quickly. Barry Hawkins had no trouble converting his 10-6 lead over Mark Williams, eventually running out a 13-9 winner.
Match Centre: Williams vs. Hawkins
Williams actually took the first frame of the evening, though without really impressing. A few small contributions saw him make it 7-10. Hawkins was unfazed; the 47-year-old, who celebrated his birthday just two days ago, responded with a superb 85. Williams then cut the gap to three frames with a 66 break, but Hawkins restored his cushion with another 85, meaning he needed just one more frame after the interval to clinch the match.
Mark Williams unable to close the gap
Williams started the second half better, reducing the deficit to 9-12 with a 70 break. In the 22nd frame, the Welshman was in again, but after 25 points was unlucky with a split. He tried to keep the break going but narrowly missed a tough red. Those would be his final points of this World Championship: Hawkins first made it 39-25, then finished the match with a 44 break at his next opportunity.
The world number eleven now faces Mark Allen in the quarter-finals, after Allen also won his match against Kyren Wilson 13-9 this morning.